Why Cowboys fans should be excited about Leighton Vander Esch

The Dallas Cowboys selected former Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch with the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL draft.

While many pegged the Cowboys to take Dez Bryant’s replacement with this pick, it’s a versatile linebacker prospect instead.

Vander Esch is simply put a freak athlete. A former walk-on who showed up to Boise State as a self-described 215-pound linebacker, Vander Esch worked incredibly hard to get up to the 256-pounds he’s listed at today.

On the football field, Vander Esch is a very good football player. He’s routinely in position to make plays due to his excellent instincts. Vander Esch is always around the football. He’s also a very good wrap-up tackler. I can see Vander Esch being the captain of an NFL defense for the next ten years. He’s truly the definition of a three-down linebacker who can run, cover and tackle.

Like this article?

Sign up for the The Draft Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning